Injection molded racks and components for off-road recreational and utility vehicles

ABSTRACT

Injection molded components for off-road recreational and utility vehicles such as an ATV&#39;s, snowmobiles and the like. In one embodiment, the invention provides a rack having a fiber-filled plastic resin body. The body has an overall thickness substantially less than its width and length, and includes a generally flat, horizontal top having a plurality of slots. Each of the slots is defined by a flange extending downwardly the flange having a thickness that is substantially less than its height to define a downwardly extending reinforcing rib, which also provides a point of attachment for straps such as bungee cords. Preferably the rack includes integrally molded transverse reinforcing ribs extending across the slots, the reinforcing ribs having a top surface which is recessed downwardly from the top surface of the rack. In another embodiment, the invention provides an injection molded foot rest for an off-road recreational or utility vehicle. The foot rest is similarly made from a fiber-filled plastic resin body having a nominal thickness of less than about 1/4 inch. In another embodiment, the invention provides a bumper similarly made from such fiber-filled plastic resin.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/536,754,filed Sep. 29, 1995, entitled INJECTION MOLDED RACKS AND COMPONENTS FOROFF-ROAD RECREATIONAL AND UTILITY VEHICLES, now abandoned.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to injection molded racks and other components foroff-road recreational and utility vehicles, such as all terrainvehicles, snowmobiles and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Off-road recreational and utility vehicles such as all terrain vehicles("ATV's"), snowmobiles and the like frequently incorporate carryingracks, bumpers and similar components that traditionally have beenfabricated from tubular steel (either square or round tube stock, thoughtypically round), sometimes supplemented with stamped sheet metal whereflat surfaces are desired. Although such steel construction usuallyprovides the structural strength required for relatively rugged service,it is costly and labor intensive to fabricate--a typical rack for an ATV(often with associated bumper) may contain up to a dozen or moreindividual pieces, each of which must be cut to the proper length, someof which must be bent to the proper shape, and all of which must bewelded together in the desired configuration. Because the assembly ismanual, quality control is an important function to assure consistentassembly of the racks, bumpers, and similar components. Once assembled,the components must be painted before final assembly to the vehicle.Even with high quality painting technology, such components neverthelessare subject, eventually, to corrosion since the heavy service oftenrequired of the racks often eventually results in denting, chipping orscratching of the paint, giving corrosion an opportunity to set in.Moreover, design options are significantly limited by the nature of thematerial from which the components are made--any unique aestheticnuances or style character built into a rack or bumper typically addssignificant additional manufacturing pieces which must be fabricated andassembled, exacerbating the problems identified above.

While many components of vehicles have been made in recent years fromnon-metal materials, the role of such materials in general has beenlimited to non-structural components because they typically do notprovide the necessary strength and durability. Alternately, certainrelatively exotic non-metal structural materials have recently becomeavailable. They typically involve other severe drawbacks, such as veryhigh cost, difficult handling characteristics, limitations on the use orapplication of color to the material, and the like. Accordingly, suchmaterials have not been considered economical or desirable for use inthe manufacture of racks, bumpers and similar structural components ofrecreational and utility vehicles such as ATV's.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides injection molded structural components for use onoff-road recreational and utility vehicles (such as ATV's, snowmobiles,and the like). In contrast to metal fabricated components, a componentof the invention is easily injection molded in a single manufacturingstep, which provides inherent quality control for size andconfiguration, and allows color to be selectively integrally molded intothe component. Thus, the component provides substantial savings inmanufacturing steps and labor, is economical to manufacture, and is notsubject to corrosion. It does not dent or chip, and scratches, to theextent they can occur, do not affect the color of the component sincethe component may be molded of a solid color material. With properlydesigned structural configurations, the components provide amplestructural strength, and the addition of unique aesthetic nuances, stylecharacter or function can be easily accommodated in manycircumstances--since such nuances can be built right into the moldingtooling, additional costs attributable to such additional aestheticfeatures are insignificant with reasonable volumes of production (andadd no additional manufacturing steps). Thus, designers may be permittedrelatively broad freedom for the creation of various "looks", both interms of color and shape.

In one embodiment, the invention provides an injection molded rack foran off-road recreational and utility vehicle (such as an ATV, snowmobileor the like). The rack includes a fiber-filled plastic resin body havingfibers of a length of at least about 1/4 inch. The body has an overallthickness substantially less than its width and substantially less thanits length, and includes a generally flat, horizontal top surface havinga plurality of slots. Each of the slots is defined by a flange extendingdownwardly about the periphery of the slot, the flange having athickness that is substantially less than its height to define adownwardly extending reinforcing rib.

Preferably the rack of the invention includes a plurality of integrallymolded transverse reinforcing ribs extending across the slots, thereinforcing ribs having a top surface which is recessed below thegenerally flat, horizontal top surface of the rack. Desirably at leastone of the transverse reinforcing ribs is comprised of two or moredownwardly extending flanges spaced laterally from one another and beingjoined by a common upper web which defines the top surface of thetransverse reinforcing rib. In a particularly preferred embodiment, atleast one of the transverse reinforcing ribs is comprised of three ormore of such downwardly extending flanges.

In another embodiment, the invention provides an injection molded footrest for an off-road recreational or utility vehicle (such as an ATV,snowmobile or the like), comprising a fiber-filled plastic resin bodyhaving fibers of a length of at least about 1/4 inch. The body includestop and bottom surfaces, inner and outer edges, and a nominal thicknessof less than about 1/4 inch. The bottom surface includes integrallymolded downwardly extending reinforcing ribs. The outer edge has anupwardly extending ridge defining an outer boundary for the foot rest,the ridge including an inner upwardly extending flange and an outerdownwardly extending skirt, the flange and skirt being joined by acommon upper web which defines a top surface of the ridge, the flangeand skirt thereby functioning to structurally reinforce the foot rest.

In a preferred embodiment, the foot rest further includes an integrallymolded transverse cleat extending upwardly from the top surface of thefoot rest body and extending substantially entirely across the foot restbody to form an integral heal cleat. The foot rest may also includemolded gripping cleats extending upwardly from the top surface of thefoot rest body. Preferably such gripping cleats comprise upwardlyextending protrusions each of which terminate in a transversely orientedpointed edge.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides an injection moldedbumper for an off-road recreational or utility vehicle (such as an ATV,snowmobile or the like), comprising a fiber-filled plastic resin bodyhaving fibers of a length of at least about 1/4 inch. The body has anoverall thickness substantially less than its width and substantiallyless than its length, and includes a generally vertically oriented frontsurface having upper and lower peripheral edges. At least a portion ofsuch upper peripheral edge and at least a portion of such lowerperipheral edge each has a flange extending generally horizontally awayfrom the front surface, such flanges having a thickness that issubstantially less than the lengths they extend from the front surfaceto thereby define generally horizontally extending reinforcing ribs.Additional reinforcing ribs may also be provided intermediate theflanges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an ATV with the racks, bumper and foot rest of theinvention mounted thereon;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a rack of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the rack of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the rack of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the rack of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the rack of FIG. 2, taken alonglines 6--6 thereof;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the rack of FIG. 2, taken alonglines 7--7 thereof;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the rack of FIG. 2, taken alonglines 8--8 thereof;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the rack of FIG. 2, taken alonglines 9--9 thereof;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an alternate rack of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the rack of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the rack of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the rack of FIG. 10, taken alonglines 13--13 thereof;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the rack of FIG. 10, taken alonglines 14--14 thereof;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the rack of FIG. 10, taken alonglines 15--15 thereof;

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of a bumper such as is depicted onthe ATV of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a top view of the bumper of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a rear view of the bumper of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the bumper of FIG. 16, taken alonglines 19--19 thereof;

FIG. 20 is a right side view of the bumper of FIG. 16;

FIG. 21 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of a bumper of theinvention;

FIG. 22 is a rear view of the bumper of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of the bumper of FIG. 22, taken alonglines 23--23 thereof;

FIG. 24 is a front, outside perspective view of a foot rest of theinvention;

FIG. 25 is a rear, inside perspective view of the foot rest of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is an outside side view of the foot rest of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is an inside side view of the foot rest of FIG. 24;

FIG. 28 is a bottom, rear, inside perspective view of the foot rest ofFIG. 24;

FIG. 29 is a bottom, front, inside perspective view of the foot rest ofFIG. 24;

FIG. 30 is a top view of the foot rest of FIG. 24; and

FIG. 31 is a broken away detail of the gripping cleats of the foot restof FIG. 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 depicts an off-road recreational/utility vehicle commonlyreferred to as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on which is mounted theracks 20, 60, bumper 110 and foot rest 210 of the invention. It will beappreciated that other similar types of off-road recreational/utilityvehicles could similarly utilize the components of the invention, suchas snowmobiles, etc.

FIGS. 2--9 illustrate in detail the construction of one particularembodiment of an integrally molded rack 60 of the invention. The rack60, which is injection molded, includes a generally flat, horizontal topsurface 64 having a peripheral edge and a plurality of slots 70. Each ofthe slots is rimmed by a flange 66 which extends downwardly from the topsurface 64, the flange therefore defining the periphery of the slot 70.The peripheral edge similarly includes a downwardly extending flange 78.The downwardly extending flanges 66 and 78 are integrally molded in therack 60, and have a thickness that is substantially less than theirheight; the flanges 66 and 78 thus serve to structurally reinforce therack against deflection, particularly against deflection about an axisgenerally perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the flanges.Desirably the flanges have a thickness of not more than about 1/3 theirheight, and preferably not more than about 1/6 their height. Desirablythe flanges have a height of at least about 1/2 inch, and preferably atleast about 3/4 inch. The rack depicted in the drawings has a flangeheight of about one inch and flange thickness of about 1/6 inch, whichhas been found to work quite well. An incidental benefit of flanges withsuch heights and thicknesses is that the flanges provide ampleconvenient locations for attachment of bungee cords and similarfasteners.

The rack 60 also desirably is provided with a number of integrallymolded reinforcing ribs 74 which extend across the slots 70, therebyproviding additional reinforcement against deflection of the rack 60 ina direction generally parallel to (and, if necessary, at acute anglesto) the longitudinal dimension of the slots 70. Desirably the ribs aremade from material with a thickness similar to the thickness of theflanges--the rack depicted in the drawings has a rib thickness of about1/8 inch.

As can be seen by reference to FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 9, typically thetransverse reinforcing ribs 74 are comprised of two or more (in manycases, three) downwardly extending flanges 76 which are spaced laterallyfrom one another, being joined by a common upper web which defines thetop surface 75 of the transverse reinforcing rib 74. Preferably this topsurface 75 of the transverse reinforcing rib 74 is recessed with respectto the top surface 64 of the rack 60. Although recessing the transversereinforcing ribs 74 does not entirely hide them from view (since theycan nevertheless be seen through the slots 70), recessing them slightlydoes make them somewhat less visible, particularly at lower viewingangles. In a rack having overall dimensions of about 20 by 40 incheswith slots about an inch wide and slot flanges about an inch tall,desirably the tops of the reinforcing ribs 74 are recessed at leastabout 1/8 inch, and preferably about 1/4 inch from the top surface 64 ofthe rack. In the rack depicted in the drawings, the tops of thereinforcing ribs 74 are recessed about 1/4 inch.

The availability of recessed reinforcing ribs provides a rack designerwith a relatively large degree of latitude in designing the aestheticand functional characteristics of the rack. While the flanges 66 rimmingthe slots 70 provide a significant degree of structural reinforcement tothe rack 60, the designer is not necessarily constrained to anyparticular number, size, configuration or orientation of the slots,since (at least within broad limits), any necessary structuralreinforcement not provided by the slot flanges 66 can be supplied byemploying recessed reinforcing ribs 74. Thus, a rack designer is able todesign the rack slots 70 with aesthetics, and/or functionality,primarily in mind, thereby creating the desired look and utility for therack. Structural rigidity can then be supplied by building in thenecessary reinforcing ribs 74. As noted above, while recessing theportion of these ribs 74 which are exposed by the slots 70 does notcompletely remove them from view, it does significantly subdue theirprominence in relation to the slots 70 and any other topographicalfeatures on the top surface 64 of the rack, particularly at lowerviewing angles.

The rack may be provided with a plurality of accessory mounting holes80--in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, six such accessory mountingholes are provide about the outer periphery of the rack 60, formounting, e.g., an accessory box or railing. Detail regarding theconfiguration of these holes is illustrated in FIG. 8. Frame mountingholes 82 may also be provided for mounting the rack to the vehicle.Details of two of these holes are shown in FIG. 7. In the rack 60depicted in FIG. 2, four frame mounting holes 82 are provided. Note thatthese holes are not located at the outer extremities (i.e., the outercomers) of the rack 60. As a result, a significant portion of the rackis cantilevered outwardly from such frame mounting holes. Accordingly,it is desirable to locate a number of recessed reinforcing ribs 74 suchthat they extend from an area adjacent to the frame mounting holes 82 toan area adjacent to the outer extremities of the rack 60, in this case,that being the outer comers of the rack.

Conventional non-metallic materials generally are not strong enough toprovide the strength and durability required for a rack of the used onATV's and similar recreational/utility vehicles; moreover, many systemsusing fiber-reinforcement do not produce a sufficiently pleasingcosmetically clean finish--often fibers or fiber ends are visible at thesurface, a result not ordinarily acceptable for finish parts used onATV's and similar vehicles. It has been found, however, that utilizinginjection moldable fiber-filled plastic resins having fibers of a lengthof at least about 1/4 inch provides sufficient reinforcement to achievethe necessary strength characteristics, while still being injectionmoldable. Suitable fiber-filled resins having such desirablecharacteristics and also producing the desired finish characteristicsare available commercially from Polymer Composites, Inc. of Winona,Minn., under the trademark CELLSTRAN®. A particularly preferredCELLSTRAN® glass filled polypropylene resin is sold under thedesignation PPG 40-02-4 (this particular resin has 40% glass fibers, andis supplied in pellet form, preferably in pellets 11 mm in length,therefore containing glass fibers of the same length). The PolymerComposites material is desirable because the glass fibers are believedto be entirely wetted by the resin; the material thus works well ininjection molding equipment, and produces a finish substantially withoutany fibers showing at the surface.

As can be seen by reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments ofthe invention utilize injection molded material of a generally uniformthickness. That is, preferably the predominant portions of the topsurface of the rack, as well as the predominant portions of the flangesand reinforcing ribs are all of a similar thickness--desirably in therange of about 1/10 to about 1/3 inch, and preferably about 1/6 inch.Preferably the ratio of the thickest of such portions to the thinnest ofsuch portions is no more than about 2:1. Preferably the transversereinforcing ribs have a thickness that is substantially less than theirheight to thereby provide a point of attachment for straps of the typeterminating in a hook.

Using conventional non-metallic materials, one ordinarily would notconclude that a rack of sufficient strength and durability could besuccessfully molded with such thinness. Molding the above-mentionedfiber-filled resins into the configuration shown in the drawings (i.e.,with the reinforcing flanges and ribs), however, produces a remarkablystrong, durable rack with excellent finish characteristics. Moreover,selected colors can be integrally molded into the part, so that paintingis not necessary, thereby reducing manufacturing steps, complexity andcost; any scratches or other incidental damage to the component also areless noticeable since the part is of uniform color throughout itsthickness. Since the part is not metallic, it is not subject tocorrosion.

An upwardly protruding lip 86 may be provided along a portion of theperiphery of the rack to assist in retaining gear on the rack. Recesses61 may also be provided along the side edges for flush mounting ofreflectors 62 (the reflectors are depicted in FIG. 1). Also, the rackmay include one or more slots 84 located adjacent edges of the rack, theslots 84 being of a size and shape permitting an adult hand to beinserted therethrough. Such slots 84 providing a hand hold forfacilitating lifting and manual movement of the vehicle.

FIGS. 10-15 depict in detail the rack 20 mounted to the front of the ATVshown in FIG. 1. The front rack 20 for this particular vehicle issomewhat smaller than the rear rack 60, with the result that fewerreinforcing ribs are needed to obtain the structural strength required.Most of the other structural features of this embodiment of theinvention are otherwise the same as the rack depicted in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 16-20 depict a bumper 110 of the invention manufactured using theprocess and materials described above with respect to the rack of theinvention. The bumper includes a front face 112 having upper and lowerperipheral edges 113 and 114, each of the edges in turn having a flange115, 116, respectively, extending generally horizontally rearwardly awayfrom the front surface 112. The left and right ends or sides of thebumper 110 similarly have rearwardly extending flanges which are joinedwith the upper and lower flanges 115 and 116. Together the flangesdefine generally rearwardly extending reinforcing ribs. One or moreadditional generally horizontal reinforcing ribs 119 may also beprovided, along with vertical reinforcing ribs 120.

The particular bumper 110 depicted in FIGS. 16-20 includes an optionalupwardly extending central member 121 which, as depicted in FIG. 1, isdesigned to mate with the front rack 20 described above. For thispurpose, the central section includes a series of tabs 122 which arereceived in complementary recesses in the bottom front portion of thefront rack 20. Additional rearwardly extending ribs may be provided inthis upwardly extending central section to further reinforce the entirestructure. A plurality of mounting holes 124 may be provided formounting the bumper to the vehicle. FIGS. 19-20 illustrate additionalrearwardly extending reinforcing cylinders formed about the mountingholes 124 for adding further structural strength to this portion of thebumper.

Note that the outer left and right ends 117 and 118 extend a significantdistance outwardly of the mounting holes 124--i.e., the outer ends aresignificantly cantilevered in relation to the overall length of thebumper. Conventional non-metallic materials generally were notconsidered to be strong enough to provide the strength and durabilityrequired for a bumper of the type used on ATV's and similarrecreational/utility vehicles, particularly given the cantilevereddesign depicted in the drawings. It has been found, however, thatutilizing injection moldable fiber-filled plastic resins as noted aboveprovides sufficient reinforcement and durability to achieve thenecessary strength characteristics, while still being injectionmoldable. As noted above, suitable fiber-filled resins having suchdesirable characteristics and also producing the desired finishcharacteristics are available commercially from Polymer Composites, Inc.of Winona, Minn., under the trademark CELLSTRAN®. A particularlypreferred CELLSTRAN® glass filled polypropylene resin is sold under thedesignation PPG 40-02-4 (this particular resin has 40% glass fibers, andis supplied in pellet form, preferably in pellets 11 mm in length,therefore containing glass fibers of the same length).

As can be seen by reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments ofthe invention utilize injection molded material of a generally uniformthickness. That is, preferably the predominant portions of the bumper,including the flanges and reinforcing ribs, are all of a similarthickness--desirably in the range of about 1/8 to about 3/4 inch, andpreferably about 1/6 to about 1/2 inch. Preferably the ratio of thethickest of such portions to the thinnest of such portions is no morethan about 2:1.

Using conventional non-metallic materials, one ordinarily would notconclude that a bumper of sufficient strength and durability could besuccessfully molded with such thinness. Molding the above-mentionedfiber-filled resins into the configuration shown in the drawings (i.e.,with the reinforcing flanges and ribs), however, produces a remarkablystrong, durable bumper with excellent finish characteristics. Moreover,selected colors can be integrally molded into the part, so that paintingis not necessary, thereby reducing manufacturing steps, complexity andcost; any scratches or other incidental damage to the component also areless noticeable since the part is of uniform color throughout itsthickness. Since the part is not metallic, it is not subject tocorrosion.

FIGS. 21-23 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a bumper of theinvention. This bumper 130 has a shape slightly different from thebumper 110 of FIGS. 16-20, in that it does not utilize the upwardlyextending central member 121, and in that the internal rearwardlyextending reinforcing ribs 132 are oriented at a variety of obtuse andacute angles to the general longitudinal length of the bumper 130.Because of the number and orientation of the various internal ribs 132,these internal ribs 132 do not need to extend as far rearwardly as theupper and lower flanges 134 and 136.

FIGS. 24-30 depict a foot rest 150 of the invention which is injectionmolded for use on off-road recreational or utility vehicles such as theATV depicted in FIG. 1. Like the racks and bumpers described above, thefoot rest or foot well 150 is injection molded from a fiber-filledplastic resin to give it the strength, durability and resilience desiredfor such an application.

The foot rest includes an inner edge 156, and an outer ridge 158defining an outer boundary for the foot rest. The outer ridge 158 isdesirably comprised of an inner, upwardly extending flange 162 and anouter downwardly extending skirt 164, the flange 162 and skirt 164 beingjoined by a common upper web 166 which defines a top surface of theridge, the flange and skirt thereby functioning to structurallyreinforce the foot rest. Preferably the foot rest also includes anintegrally molded transverse cleat 170 extending upwardly from the topsurface of the foot rest body 152. Preferably the cleat 170 extendssubstantially entirely across the foot rest body to form an integralheal cleat against which the vehicle operator may grip with the heal ofhis shoe or boot.

Preferably the upper surface of the foot rest body 152 also includesintegrally molded gripping cleats 172 dispersed over a substantialportion of the generally flat upper surface of the foot rest. In theparticularly preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the grippingcleats 172 comprise upwardly extending protrusions, each of whichterminate in a transversely oriented pointed edge (shown in detail inFIG. 31). Also, preferably these gripping cleats 172 are arranged in aplurality of generally parallel longitudinal rows of ribs, the ribsbeing scalloped with the scallops terminating in transversely orientedpointed edges. These pointed edges make an excellent gripping surfacefor the rider's shoes or boots.

As is shown in particular detail in FIGS. 28-30, desirably the foot rest150 also includes reinforcing ribs 160 integrally molded to extenddownwardly from the bottom of the foot rest. The size and depth of theseribs can be selected based on the desired rigidity requirements of theparticular application.

Suitable fiber-filled resins having desirable characteristics for thiscomponent and also producing the desired finish characteristics areavailable commercially from Polymer Composites, Inc. of Winona, Minn. Aparticularly preferred glass filled nylon resin is sold under thedesignation N6G50-01-4. This resin includes about 50% glass fiber. Thepolypropylene resin material used for the bumpers and racks, sold underthe designation PPG 40-02-4, is also suitable, although it has beenfound that reduction of the percentage of glass fibers from 40% to 20%(by adding in compatible polypropylene) yields a less rigid foot restwhich is less likely to fracture, e.g., if the foot rest strikes a rock,stump, etc. Both of these materials are supplied in pellet form,preferably in pellets 11 mm in length, therefore containing glass fibersof the same length.

As can be seen by reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments ofthe invention utilize injection molded material of a generally uniformthickness. That is, preferably the predominant portions of the footrest, including the predominant portions of the flanges and reinforcingribs are all of a similar thickness--desirably in the range of about1/10 to about 1/3 inch, and preferably about 1/6 inch. Preferably theratio of the thickest of such portions to the thinnest of such portionsis no more than about 2:1.

While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has beendescribed, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations andmodifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit ofthe invention and the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An injection molded rack for an off-roadrecreational or utility vehicle, comprising a fiber-filled plastic resinbody having fibers of a length predominantly of at least about 1/4 inch,the body having an overall thickness substantially less than its widthand substantially less than its length, the body including a generallyflat, horizontal top surface having a plurality of slots therein, eachof the slots being defined by a flange extending downwardly about theperiphery of the slot, the flange having a thickness that issubstantially less than its height to thereby define a downwardlyextending reinforcing rib, and a plurality of integrally moldedtransverse reinforcing ribs extending across a plurality of the slots,the reinforcing ribs having a top surface which is recessed below thegenerally flat, horizontal top surface of the rack.
 2. The rack of claim1 wherein at least one of the transverse reinforcing ribs is comprisedof two or more downwardly extending flanges spaced laterally from oneanother and being joined by a common upper web which defines the topsurface of the transverse reinforcing rib.
 3. The rack of claim 2wherein at least one of the transverse reinforcing ribs is comprised ofthree or more of such downwardly extending flanges.
 4. The rack of claim1 wherein the transverse reinforcing ribs have a thickness that issubstantially less than their height to thereby provide a point ofattachment for straps of the type terminating in a hook.
 5. The rack ofclaim 1 wherein the top surface of the transverse reinforcing ribs isrecessed downwardly at least about 1/8 inch from the generally flat,horizontal top surface of the rack.
 6. The rack of claim 1 wherein thetop surface of the transverse reinforcing ribs is recessed downwardly atleast about 1/4 inch from the generally flat, horizontal top surface ofthe rack.
 7. The rack of claim 1 wherein the slots have a width and alength, the reinforcing ribs being of a thickness that is substantiallyless than both the width and the length of the slots.
 8. The rack ofclaim 1 wherein the predominant portions of the body and the flangeshave generally similar thicknesses, the ratio of the thickest of suchportions to the thinnest of such portions being no more than about 2:1.9. The rack of claim 1 wherein the slot flanges have a thickness of notmore than about 1/3 their height.
 10. The rack of claim 1 wherein theslot flanges have a thickness of not more than about 1/6 their height.11. The rack of claim 1 wherein the slot flanges have a height of atleast about 1/2 inch.
 12. The rack of claim 1 wherein the slot flangeshave a height of at least about 3/4 inch.
 13. The rack of claim 1wherein the slot flanges have a thickness of not more than about 1/3inch.
 14. The rack of claim 1 wherein the slot flanges have a thicknessof not more than about 1/6 inch.
 15. The rack of claim 1 wherein some ofthe slots are elongated, and at least some of the elongated slots havetheir respective elongated dimensions oriented in generally the samedirection.
 16. The rack of claim 1 wherein some of the transversereinforcing ribs are oriented generally perpendicularly to some of theslots.
 17. The rack of claim 1 wherein some of the transversereinforcing ribs are oriented at an acute angle to some of the slots.18. The rack of claim 1 wherein the rack includes a periphery comprisedof an inner portion and an outer portion, and mounting holes formounting the rack to the vehicle, such mounting holes being positionedadjacent to the inner portion of the rack periphery.
 19. The rack ofclaim 1 wherein the size of the slot and the ratio of the flangethickness to flange height is small enough to provide a point ofattachment for straps of the type terminating in a hook.
 20. The rack ofclaim 1 further comprising one or more slots located adjacent an edge ofthe rack and being of a size and shape permitting an adult hand to beinserted therethrough, thereby providing a hand hold for facilitatinglifting and manual movement of the vehicle.
 21. The rack of claim 1wherein the horizontal top surface has a peripheral edge, and furthercomprising a flange extending downwardly from such peripheral edge, theflange having a thickness that is substantially less than its height tothereby define a downwardly extending reinforcing rib.
 22. The rack ofclaim 1 wherein at least one portion of the peripheral edge includes aslight recess, and the downwardly extending flange associated with suchportion of the peripheral edge includes a similar recess, therebydefining a recessed edge portion permitting a reflector to be flushmounted therein.
 23. An injection molded rack for an off-roadrecreational or utility vehicle, comprising a fiber-filled plastic resinbody having fibers of a length predominantly of at least about 1/4 inch,the body having an overall thickness substantially less than its widthand substantially less than its length, the body including a generallyflat, horizontal top surface having a plurality of slots therein, eachof the slots being defined by a flange extending downwardly about theperiphery of the slot, the flange having a thickness that issubstantially less than its height to thereby define a downwardlyextending reinforcing rib, the rack having a periphery comprised of aninner portion and an outer portion, and mounting holes for mounting therack to the vehicle, such mounting holes being positioned adjacent tothe inner portion of the rack periphery, and a plurality of transversereinforcing ribs extending across a plurality of the slots, at leastsome of the reinforcing ribs extending from an area adjacent to themounting holes to an area adjacent to the outer portion of the rackperiphery.
 24. The rack of claim 23 wherein the rack is of a shape thatis generally polygonal, the outer portion of the rack periphery having aplurality of outer corners, at least some of the reinforcing ribsextending from an area adjacent to the mounting holes to an areaadjacent to at least some of such outer corners.
 25. An injection moldedrack for an off-road recreational or utility vehicle, comprising afiber-filled plastic resin body having fibers of a length of at leastabout 1/4 inch, the body having an overall thickness substantially lessthan its width and substantially less than its length, the bodyincluding a generally flat, horizontal top surface having a plurality ofslots therein, each of the slots being defined by a flange extendingdownwardly about the periphery of the slot, the flange having athickness that is substantially less than its height to thereby define adownwardly extending reinforcing rib and to provide a point ofattachment for straps of the type terminating in a hook, the bodyfurther including a plurality of integrally molded transversereinforcing ribs extending across a plurality of the slots, each of suchreinforcing ribs being comprised of two or more downwardly extendingflanges spaced laterally from one another and being joined by a commonupper web which defines a top surface of the transverse reinforcing rib,such top surface being recessed downwardly from the generally flat,horizontal top surface of the rack by at least about 1/8 inch.